December 7, 2010 - Geneva College
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December 7, 2010

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Spotlight on the United Kingdom 2011 trip.

From bustling cities to ancient medieval castles and the pastoral countryside, students can experience the vibrant beauty and rich history of the British Isles on the United Kingdom trip in May 2011. The cultural heritage of England, Scotland and Wales includes leading literary figures like William Shakespeare and William Wordsworth, world-class museums including the National Gallery and the British Museum and monumental works of architecture such as Salisbury Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle.

"This trip makes humanities real," explains Dr. Tom Copeland, who will lead his fifth trip to the United Kingdom. "Students have the experience of actually seeing the paintings in the museums and hearing the church choirs in St. Paul′s Cathedral, for example." According to Dr. Copeland, in contrast to America, students will be exposed to a populace that has a widespread appreciation of high art: "The British people flock to art museums and concerts."

Also, this trip is "a unique crossover between humanities and engineering," says Dr. Copeland. Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dr. David Shaw will be on hand to offer his expertise as students marvel at engineering wonders from ancient Roman walls and sewer systems to Gothic cathedrals, from 18th century canals and bridges to the 21st century architectural landmark The London Eye. Engineering students who have gone on the Britain trip in the past have appreciated the blend of history and art with science and engineering.

Students will meet with Dr. Copeland once a week throughout the spring semester to read, discuss and prepare for the trip and will then travel to the United Kingdom from May 11-25. They will receive course credit for the class and trip as HUM 203 or HUM 304: British Culture and History. Travel costs will be approximately $2,750 in addition to tuition. The application deadline is January 12, 2011 and students who have already taken a HUM 304 course are still eligible to attend.

The tentative itinerary includes:

  • A walking tour of central London from Buckingham Palace to Covent Garden market
  • Experiencing the dramatic view of London from the top of St. Paul′s Cathedral
  • Touring Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, the British Library, the National Gallery and the British Museum
  • Attending worship at All Souls Church in Langham Place
  • A trip to Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral and the city of Bath
  • Visiting the birthplace and burial site of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Travelling to Wales and seeing the famous canal bridge at Llangollen; Mt. Snowdon, the highest peak in the UK; and Caernarfon Castle
  • A trip to Scotland to tour Stirling Castle and the ruins of Linlithgow Palace; and to see the Falkirk Wheel, an engineering wonder connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal
  • Visiting historic Covenanter sites like the home of John Knox and Greyfriars Kirk
  • An optional day trip to Cambridge university, Greenwich or a free day in London

For additional information, contact Dr. Tom Copeland.

Dec 7, 2010